Heated Rivalry at 2026 Olympics? Team USA’s Caroline Harvey and Canada’s Daryl Watts reportedly split before ice hockey gold medal game

The stage is set for what was already a classic USA-Canada women's hockey gold medal game at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but an unexpected off-ice development has added personal drama fans didn't see coming. As the rivals prepare to face off on Thursday, February 19, at 1:10 p.m. ET in Milan, rumours are swirling that American defender Caroline Harvey and Canadian forward Daryl Watts have ended their relationship mid-tournament.

The rumours have transformed an already anticipated matchup into what fans have compared to the hit series Heated Rivalry. With both players among the tournament's top scorers—Harvey leading all skaters and Bates second—the possibility of them facing each other directly has created intense anticipation.

The United States enters as tournament favourites, having outscored opponents 31-1 with five straight shutouts and a 5-0 preliminary win over Canada. However, the Canadians will have captain Marie-Philip Poulin back for the rematch.






Harvey, 23, the American defenseman from New Hampshire, and Watts, the Canadian forward, have long been the subject of relationship speculation. While neither has publicly confirmed anything, their social media presence and interactions led fans to believe they were a couple.

Harvey has been spectacular, leading the entire tournament in scoring, remarkable for a defenseman. Watts sits second in tournament scoring, providing dynamic playmaking for Canada. The symmetry of their success—both at their peak, on a collision course for gold—had made their reported relationship a feel-good story within hockey's tight-knit community.




The rumours began Tuesday night on TikTok Live, where Harvey appeared with teammate Laila Edwards. Reports indicate Edwards referred to Harvey by her nickname "KK" and explicitly confirmed Harvey is single heading into the gold medal game.

Fans also noticed Harvey had apparently deleted photos featuring Bates from her social media. Neither player has addressed the claims publicly, but the combination of Edwards's comment and social media activity has led to widespread acceptance of the breakup.

The timing couldn't be more dramatic. If true, Harvey and Bates will have minimal time to process the end of their relationship before facing each other with Olympic gold on the line Thursday at 1:10 p.m. ET at Milano Santagiulia Ice Arena, airing on USA Network and Peacock.



The situation has drawn immediate comparisons to the popular show Heated Rivalry, based on Rachel Reid's book, which follows two rival hockey players whose on-ice competition masks a secret relationship. Fans have noted the parallels: two players from rival teams, reportedly recently broken up, facing each other in a high stake game.

The USA-Canada women's hockey rivalry is arguably the most intense in sports. Since 1998, either the United States or Canada has won every gold medal, with the other taking silver in all but one Games. Thursday marks the seventh time they'll play for Olympic gold.

For Harvey and Bates, the stakes are personal. As the tournament's top scorers, they'll inevitably be on the ice together at critical moments. Harvey's role as a puck-moving defenseman means she'll likely be tasked with shutting down Bates's offensive advances. Every shift could become a micro-drama with the world watching.

In a rivalry defined by intensity, this chapter may be the most compelling yet.